In mid-century residential landscaping, ice plant was a commonly used groundcover. Then it crawled its way on to the carefully planned hills and landscapes near freeways and highways, and it became as common and dreaded as Algerian ivy. Ice plant is a succulent, however, and succulents are increasing in popularity for their good looks, form and water-wise attributes. Let's take a look at the different types of ice plant.
The most common types are Drosanthemum floribundum and Drosanthemum hispidum. Also known as Rosea ice plant.
These varieties are easy to root, lightweight, can cling to the steepest, rockiest slopes and can drape several feet over a garden wall. They also make a good-looking substitute for a lawn. One way to plant rosea: just crumble or chop-up stems, then broadcast them like seeds, and lightly cover them with a cactus soil mix.
Purple ice plant is one of the most popular and easiest to grow.
Varieties include Malephora crocea and Malephora luteola. Common names: Croceum ice plant or yellow trailing ice plant.
Croceum are popular freeway plants (or they used to be). They make handsome ground covers for small or large flat areas and moderately steep slopes. Malephora crocea works on hillsides better than Malephora luteola, which doesn't send out long runners.
•Carpobrotus
•Cephalophyllum
•Delosperma
Delosperma 'Alba' is also known as white trailing ice plant. It is an excellent cover for level grounds and steep slopes. runners spread rapidly, root, knit together to form strong, hill-holding masses. This variety does not get woody or mound up. Alba's foliage texture suits both small or large areas.•Drosanthemum
The most common types are Drosanthemum floribundum and Drosanthemum hispidum. Also known as Rosea ice plant.
These varieties are easy to root, lightweight, can cling to the steepest, rockiest slopes and can drape several feet over a garden wall. They also make a good-looking substitute for a lawn. One way to plant rosea: just crumble or chop-up stems, then broadcast them like seeds, and lightly cover them with a cactus soil mix.
•Lampranthus
Purple ice plant is one of the most popular and easiest to grow.
•Malephora
Varieties include Malephora crocea and Malephora luteola. Common names: Croceum ice plant or yellow trailing ice plant.
Croceum are popular freeway plants (or they used to be). They make handsome ground covers for small or large flat areas and moderately steep slopes. Malephora crocea works on hillsides better than Malephora luteola, which doesn't send out long runners.